Mohanlal and Mammootty are the undisputed superstars of Malayalam cinema. Their healthy rivalry has produced several high-quality movies in the industry over the last two to three decades. At the same time, their brotherly bond is well known to all Keralites. Mammootty has been dealing with some health issues, which have kept him away from the public for a while.
Mohanlal’s latest big-budget movie, Empuraan, is scheduled for release on March 27. Those who follow him know that he is an unapologetic Sanatani. In connection with the film’s release, he visited Sabarimala a few days ago. While there, Mohanlal prayed for Mammootty’s well-being by offering an “Usha Pooja” at the shrine. Although such details are usually kept private, the puja receipt was somehow leaked on social media. The image of the receipt, showing the name Muhammad Kutty and his star sign Vishakham, went viral. Most people responded with appreciation and admiration for the special bond shared by the two stars.
Image Source: Manorama News
As is the case with many things these days, this noble gesture also seemed to upset some people. Popular journalist and Islamic scholar O. Abdulla, who is also the former editor of the Malayalam daily Madhyamam, criticized Mohanlal and Mammootty in a social media post. It is worth noting that Madhyamam is known for its radical views and strong opposition to the BJP and the RSS. You might be wondering why he would be upset over a simple act of praying for someone’s well-being. Here is his social media post.
This is the translation of his post: “If Mohanlal did this with Mammootty’s knowledge, Mammootty must do ‘Tauba.’ He must also apologize for this to the Islamic community.”
Abdulla also released a voice message, and a translated excerpt from his message is given below:
‘The great actor Mammootty has committed a grave offence. The news is that Mohanlal made a special offering in his name at Sabarimala. Mammootty is innocent in this matter if this puja was performed by Mohanlal based on his own belief and not at Mammootty’s request. In that case, Mammootty should not be criticized because Mohanlal is a great devotee of Sabarimala Sastha. It is acceptable if the puja was performed by Mohanlal purely out of his faith and belief.
However, it becomes a serious offence if the offering was made at Mammootty’s request. Such offerings should only be made to Allah. He should pray only to Allah and seek help and blessings solely from Him. In this case, it would be a violation of these principles. Such acts have been forbidden since the time of the Prophet.‘
He further states:‘Mammootty must provide an explanation to the Islamic community regarding this matter. If he does not, it will be considered a serious deviation. This cannot be tolerated, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Islamic scholars must also intervene in this issue.’
Is Kerala a Sharia based society?
I can’t help but wonder if Abdulla thinks we are living in a Sharia-based society. Does he believe that Kerala has already turned into Afghanistan or Pakistan?
However, his audio message has been met with severe backlash. Many users have questioned how someone can spew so much venom and display such a communal mindset. Several people have even suggested that legal action should be taken against him for disturbing Kerala’s communal harmony.
That said, it is not surprising that another section of people supports his views, arguing that believing in anything outside Islam is Shirk (a great sin) and that Abdulla’s statement is correct according to Islamic teachings.
Please refer to the related news report at the following link
Mohanlal Responds
This is what Mohanlal said about the incident in a latest news report: ‘Prayers are personal. Mammootty is my dear friend, and I prayed for him. The chit I gave to the priest at the temple was leaked, which is how everyone found out that I prayed for him.’ He also added that Mammootty had a minor health issue and that there was nothing to worry about.
Please refer to the related news report at the following link
Free Speech and Religious Freedom
Yes, we all have the right to live our lives according to our faith and beliefs. Our Constitution grants us this right. However, does that mean we can impose our beliefs on others?
This man has lakhs of followers on his social media pages. What kind of people would choose to follow someone like him? I’m certain that many of them subscribe to his radical views and support his ideology.
As for the social media post, Abdulla seems to have quietly deleted it, as it is no longer visible on his page. Regardless, should people like Abdulla be allowed to go scot-free after sowing the seeds of hatred in a predominantly secular society?
We’ve had enough of ‘shoot and scoot’ posts on social media. Isn’t it time we put an end to this menace?
Featured Image Source: Hindustan Times
